This one-day tour is an excellent trip for those who enjoy hiking in the mountains and spectacular Andean countryside. Humantay Lake is found at an elevation of 4180 metres, in the Andes. The Humantay Mountain is formed from sections of glaciers which are still actively growing. The mountain is stunningly beautiful where you can appreciate “seracs” (compact green and blue toned snow), natural fissures, ice caves with stalagmites and stalactites. This area is also blessed with abundant biodiversity, native plant and animal species. This peak is one of the most important sacred peaks in the Cusco region, providing regular glacial water that flow into the Humantay lake. This magnificent lagoon is filled with turquoise waters and surrounded by a uniquely stunning landscape, with the lake’s waters coloured by the minerals that you can find 4 metres deep into the mountain.
We will pick you up from the hotel, and head out on our adventure to The Humantay Lake, starting with a 3-hour drive to the village of Mollepata, found at 3900 metres elevation. In Mollepata, we will enjoy a hearty breakfast, to begin our day in the best possible way. After a half an hour drive, we will arrive at Soraypampa, where we will begin our hike to the Humantay Lake, found at 4200 metres elevation. With spectacular countryside and the impressive snow-capped Salkantay and Humantay mountains. We will hike for about 1.5 hours to the lagoon, which will be made worthwhile when we arrive at this magical lake. We will have plenty of time to take photos and enjoy the magnificent views. We will then begin our descent to Soraypampa. We will return the way we came and stop for a buffet lunch in Mollepata. After a short rest, we will return to the city of Cusco, arriving approximately at 6pm.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Share your travel preferences and a local specialist will confirm availability and prepare the best option for you.
Humantay Lake Day Trek is a one day tour from Cusco that leads you up to a high-altitude turquoise lagoon at about 4200 meters above sea level. It starts very early with a 4:30 am pickup in the city and a roughly three-hour drive to Soraypampa. From the trailhead you hike 7 km round trip, with steep pitches that test your lungs as the air thins. Local herders tend their alpacas along the way and you cross open high-plain terrain en route to the lake’s edge. Guides speak English and Spanish, break when needed and make sure everyone keeps pace. You’ll need to buy the entrance ticket in advance and spend at least two nights in Cusco to adjust.
The climb feels calm at first but gets intense. One minute you chat with fellow hikers about gear, the next you’re pausing for breath at 3800 m. I wonder if you’ll catch the color shift as soon as the water comes into view. Bright turquoise, almost shocking. Guides hand out coca tea, or small snacks, then push you on. Final switchbacks hurt but end in silence broken only by your own heavy breathing. By afternoon you’re back in Cusco, legs tired but your head still up in those peaks.
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Recommendations
Spend two full days in Cusco before the trek. Drink mate de coca, rest well. Avoid heavy activity on Day 1. Get a good night’s sleep, check your gear and ticket.
Climate
High-Andean conditions with big swings. Early morning can be near zero Celsius. Midday on trail feels warm once you climb. Late afternoon wind picks up.
Season of the year recommended
May through September have driest skies. June–July popular so small crowds. April or October bring occasional showers but fewer people.
What to wear
Layer up. Base layer for sweat, mid-layer for warmth, shell for wind. Hat and gloves for summit. Quick-dry pants and wool socks.
Physical preparation
Do stair runs or long uphill walks at home. Carry a pack with water to simulate load. Practice breathing exercises for thin air.
Local people
Herders in Soraypampa speak Quechua and Spanish. They’re friendly, often greet hikers, sell simple snacks or coca leaves.
Who is this for
Active travelers aged 12 and up who can handle thin air and steep climbs. Not for complete beginners but doable if you train a bit.
Food on route
Lunch is a hot plate served at Soraypampa after descent. Typically rice with chicken or vegetarian stew, soup and bread. It’s simple but filling. Expect homemade style, nothing fancy. You’ll regain calories fast, then ride back to Cusco feeling satisfied despite the basic menu.
Approximately three hours of walking, three more including breaks and descent. Some go faster, some slower if altitude slows you.
The last 2 km gains about 350 m in altitude. It’s a steady climb with switchbacks that can feel endless until you crest.
Yes. There’s a horse option for the first part of the climb. You pay extra and switch back to foot near Soraypampa.
You must buy the ticket before departure, either online or at a local office in Cusco. Guides check it.
Yes. Regulations require a licensed guide for safety and trail permits at Soraypampa gate.
Guides carry oxygen and first-aid kits. You descend slowly, rest, hydrate. Mild cases clear up fast.
Basic pit toilets at Soraypampa only, before the hike. No facilities at the lake itself.
Groups cap at eight. Keeps the pace personal, easier to stop when needed.
Minimum age is 12. Younger kids risk altitude stress.
English and Spanish fluently. Basic Quechua greetings sometimes.
Not mandatory but helpful on descent. You can bring your own or rent on route.
4:30 am pickup gets you on trail by dawn. Earlier start helps avoid midday clouds.
Yes, a hot lunch back at Soraypampa after the descent with soup and a main dish.
Aim for under 5 kg. Water, layers and snacks add up. Keep it light.
Sturdy hiking boots or trail runners with good sole grip. Wet spots can be slick near the lake.
Hike to the breathtaking turquoise glacial waters nestled beneath Mount Salkantay.
This one-day tour is an excellent trip for those who enjoy hiking in the mountains and spectacular Andean countryside. Humantay Lake is found at an elevation of 4180 metres, in the Andes. The Humantay Mountain is formed from sections of glaciers which are still actively growing. The mountain is stunningly beautiful where you can appreciate “seracs” (compact green and blue toned snow), natural fissures, ice caves with stalagmites and stalactites. This area is also blessed with abundant biodiversity, native plant and animal species. This peak is one of the most important sacred peaks in the Cusco region, providing regular glacial water that flow into the Humantay lake. This magnificent lagoon is filled with turquoise waters and surrounded by a uniquely stunning landscape, with the lake’s waters coloured by the minerals that you can find 4 metres deep into the mountain.
We will pick you up from the hotel, and head out on our adventure to The Humantay Lake, starting with a 3-hour drive to the village of Mollepata, found at 3900 metres elevation. In Mollepata, we will enjoy a hearty breakfast, to begin our day in the best possible way. After a half an hour drive, we will arrive at Soraypampa, where we will begin our hike to the Humantay Lake, found at 4200 metres elevation. With spectacular countryside and the impressive snow-capped Salkantay and Humantay mountains. We will hike for about 1.5 hours to the lagoon, which will be made worthwhile when we arrive at this magical lake. We will have plenty of time to take photos and enjoy the magnificent views. We will then begin our descent to Soraypampa. We will return the way we came and stop for a buffet lunch in Mollepata. After a short rest, we will return to the city of Cusco, arriving approximately at 6pm.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Travelers to Peru require a passport valid for at least 6 months from entry. Most nationalities (USA, Canada, EU, UK, Australia, Brazil) do not require a tourist visa for stays up to 90 days. Comprehensive travel insurance covering high altitude is strongly recommended.
Hotel nights feature comfortable 3-star boutique hotels in private en-suite rooms. On mountain treks, we provide premium 4-season Eureka tents (2 persons in a 4-person tent), foam sleeping mattresses, spacious dining tents with tables and chairs, and clean portable toilet facilities.
Your tour begins in Cusco, Peru. We include airport arrival transfer to your hotel. An informative briefing with your professional trekking guide takes place at your Cusco hotel at 6:00 PM the evening before your tour begins.
We had great tours with them! Rosa Guide very good and with a lot of information!
We had an incredible experience with the tours! Everything was very well organized, from the schedules to the support during the trips. The guides were very attentive, helpful, and gave us a lot of interesting...
A wonderful experience, very punctual, capricious, service at all times, no doubt was the best choice, me and my friends felt very safe.
The Yacana was our best choice of trip. Always inquisitive and ready to serve us. Super we indicate!
